Childminder in Lancashire

Overall effectiveness Inadequate

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Inadequate Leadership and management Inadequate Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Outstanding

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The provision is inadequate

Children are exposed to risks that the childminder has not recognised or minimised in order to keep children safe at all times. Risk assessment procedures are not consistently effective. Furthermore, children are provided with food that has not been prepared safely or hygienically. This poses a risk to children's health.

p.2

The provision is inadequate

The childminder provides children with a wide range of opportunities to develop their learning, both in and out of her setting. She takes children into the local community and they visit natural sites, such as the beach, park and nearby woods. This helps children explore new environments and meet new people. Children enjoy the childminder's outdoor space. Babies who are learning to walk are supported to cruise around the garden, using push-along toys and by holding onto well-placed handles and fencing. This helps build their confidence. Children show high levels of self-esteem and are settled in the childminder's company. The childminder knows children well and has built strong relationships with them. They feel confident to participate in the activities on offer and the childminder knows what they will enjoy the most, helping them remain happy during play.

p.2

The provision is inadequate

Children's communication and language are well supported. Babies babble and repeat single words to the childminder. She models clear sounds to children and exposes them to a range of vocabulary when playing, such as 'prickly' and 'spikey'. The childminder encourages children to continue their literacy skills in the outdoor area by providing them with mark-making tools. Furthermore, the childminder helps them remember familiar stories, such as the 'The Three Little Pigs', using toy animals.

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need to do better?

n The childminder does not ensure food is prepared competently or given to children in a safe and hygienic way. She does not consistently check the temperatures when reheating food. Additionally, she samples children's food by placing it in her mouth, using their spoons and placing these back into children's bowls for them to eat with. This puts children's health at risk. n Risk assessment is varied in the childminder's home. Although she provides a secure environment for children, she does not consistently remove or reduce all risks during play. For example, babies access small items, such as conkers, and place them in their mouths when they are not in sight of the childminder. This puts children's welfare at significant risk. n Although the childminder provides a range of resources to support babies' sensory exploration, she occasionally over-directs their play and limits the opportunities they have to follow their own curiosity. For instance, when babies

p.2

need to do better?

spend time feeling resources and exploring them with their hands and mouths,

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need to do better?

18 September 2025 she asks them to complete a task she has in mind by showing them what to do. This does not consistently allow for babies to learn in ways expected for their stage of development. n The childminder can identify strengths in her practice and seeks advice to continue her development and increase the quality of her setting for children. She reflects on what children have enjoyed through the experiences she offers to help plan further activities. The childminder maintains required training, such as paediatric first aid and safeguarding. n Children's development is monitored from the start and the childminder gets to know children's likes and dislikes. Any gaps in learning are tracked and responded to as necessary to help children keep up with their development. n Partnerships with parents are effective. Parents comment positively on the activities their children are offered with the childminder, particularly the outdoor

p.2

need to do better?

excursions. Parents feel their children are well prepared for their move to school. Communication is successful with parents through a range of media, such as daily diaries, handover chats and photos sent throughout the day. This helps parents understand what their children are learning. n The childminder teaches children about cultural differences and religious traditions. Children take part in a range of activities the childminder plans to help broaden their awareness of other people. Furthermore, children visit groups beyond their immediate community to help them socialise and make new friends. This helps children understand diversity and prepare for life in modern Britain.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are not effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

There is not an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

p.3

Due date

ensure that food is always prepared in a safe and hygienic way, with particular regard to reheating children's meals 30/10/2025

p.3

Due date

ensure risk assessments are effective so that hazards to children's safety are minimised or removed. 30/10/2025

p.3

should:

n deepen understanding of how different children learn, particularly babies, in order to adapt activities to consistently meet their development needs.

p.4

Setting details

Unique reference number 503679 Local authority Lancashire Inspection number 10407430 Type of provision Childminder

p.5

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

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inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 3 Date of previous inspection 8 January 2020

p.5

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2001. She lives in the Euxton area of Chorley. She operates all year round from 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder has an early years qualification at level 3.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector observed the quality of teaching and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector took account of written testimonials from parents. n The childminder and the inspector discussed the provision and the curriculum. n The inspector completed a joint observation with the childminder. n The childminder showed the inspector relevant documentation, such as the paediatric first-aid and safeguarding certificates. n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises.

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Inspection activities

18 September 2025 We carried out this inspection under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children's learning, development and care, known as the early years foundation stage.

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Inspection activities

18 September 2025 regulates and inspects to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children's services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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